The NHS is urging people to call 999 immediately if they experience one of three common symptoms . The plea comes as part of a new campaign launched by the health surface to raise awareness about strokes . Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths occurring each year.
Around 100,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year and they can happen at any age, although those who are over 50, come from a black or South Asian background, or live with existing conditions such as high blood pressure are at increased risk. A stroke is caused by a blood clot or bleed on the brain which cuts off the blood supply. This can kill brain cells and lead to long-term disabilities, including paralysis, memory loss, speech and mobility problems.
Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke and a consultant stroke physician, explains: “When someone has a stroke, it’s estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical – the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign it’s time to call 999.” A stroke requires urgent medical treatment as it can be life-threatening, but new NHS data shows that sufferers waited around an hour and a half last year before calling for help. Analysis by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme at King’s College London for 2023-24 showed that, of the more than 41,000 pat.
